Cloaked in undeniable beauty, the turquoise is a gemstone you just can’t get enough of! One of the most popular semi-precious gems available today, it is blessed with a splendid bluish-green hue that instantly catches the eye.
But is this jewel durable enough for everyday wear? Let’s find out…
What Exactly is a Turquoise?
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a result of copper and aluminium fusing together. High-quality turquoise stones can be rare and extremely valuable. In fact, in the past it was considered a sought-after ornamental gemstone, thanks to its vibrant hue.
This gem derives its name from the French word ‘turquois’, which means ‘Turkish’ because this mineral was first brought to Europe through Turkey from the mines of Iran (Persia).
Currently, the most valuable turquoises display a bright blue hue that is similar to a Robin’s egg. This gem is also one of the official birthstones of December, which has further added to its overall demand.
What is the Mohs Scale All About?
Devised by Friedrich Mohs in the year 1822, this tool was created to rate gemstone and mineral hardness. As per this scale, 1 indicates extreme malleability and 10 represents exceptional toughness. Mohs scale of mineral hardness is widely used even today to measure the strength and durability of a gemstone.
So, Is the Turquoise Durable?
The turquoise has a rating of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, which means that though it is not as tough as some of the other gems, it isn’t very delicate either. Also, it displays perfect gemstone cleavage, so a hard blow may result in breakage. The turquoise must therefore be treated with a lot of care and attention.
Care Tips for Turquoise
- Avoid porous, brittle, or grainy-looking turquoise. Instead, choose a stone that has a smooth texture as that is likely to be more durable.
- Turquoise jewellery is certainly not cheap, especially if you opt for an heirloom-quality stone. And because of its growing popularity, you may find a lot of imitation ones. So only buy from a reputed brand and always cheque the Certificate of Authenticity.
- You can clean your turquoise jewellery at home with the help of an ultra-mild soap-water solution and a soft cloth. Remember to keep this gem away from steam or ultrasonic cleaners as they can damage the surface and lead to discolouration.
- Never let any harsh chemicals come into contact with your turquoise jewellery as they may lead to damage in the long run.
- We recommend storing your turquoise jewellery separately in a soft cloth pouch to protect it from scratches that can be caused by other harder gemstones.
- To keep this gemstone in the best condition possible, get it chequeed by a professional at least once a year. In addition to offering a thorough clean-up, they can also fix any issues that may require attention.
Parting Note
mesmerising and stylish, you can never go wrong with a piece of turquoise jewellery. It can effortlessly jazz up your look in an instant. And regardless of its durability, the turquoise is certainly here to stay!
Also Read: Is the Sapphire a Durable Gemstone?
